1999 Saturn SL1 service engine soon lit- tranny temp code r

The wire's for the transmission temp sensor run right along side the filter.I have seen a lot of people grab the wire with the filter wrench and damage it.Your best bet would be to remove the air box so you can inspect the harness and connector.

that's exactly what happened, sensor was damaged.

do you happen to have a part number?
the auto parts guy looks at my cross-eyed when I tell him I'm looking for a transmission temp sensor.
is it called something else?

could I just unplug it and reset the computer?

or maybe put in a jumper wire to complete the circuit?

So is the connector damage or the sensor?If you damaged the sensor you really went crazy changing the filter lol.If you jump it the computer will read it as the transmission is overheating.You need to have it set up with the sensor.

while trying to remove the filter from below, broke the plastic connector end of the sensor. After removing the air cleaner box, saw the problem. Was told the TFT,AIT and the ECT sensors are interchangeable. I was able to find an Engine Coolant Temp sensor at the local Autozone. Was also told disconnecting the car's battery, should also reset the error codes. What are your thoughts?

Yes the coolant temp sensor will replace the TFT sensor taking off your battery won't always reset the code's.The best way is to have them cleared with a scan tool.Your local auto part's store doesn't clear and read your code's?Also disconnecting your battery will clear all your monitor's like the egr o2 sensor etc and you will have to reset all those.

Thanks Louie,

installed the ECt , disconnected the bat, ran it about 10 miles, everything seems to be working.

Your welcome glad to hear you got it fixed.

Okay what exactly will happen if your TFT sensor is damaged? Will it effect your vehicles performance? And if you go to the Autoparts store and buy a Sensor for it do you just ask for a TFT Sensor?

I didn't see any performance issues, but I don't often drive this car.
The stupid service engine soon light was annoying. AP store did not have a transmission fluid temp sensor, I installed a engine coolant temp sensor. cost about 10 bucks

Cool! Yeah I heard they were interchangeable from many other people. Did it get your service light to shut off?

Um does anyone know what the O rings in the cover where the timming chain is is called? I have asked checkers and Autozone for the O Rings and they are not sure I am getting the right part.

The orings that are under the cover that sit in the bottom of the engine block that seal up the oil pump plate cover that is on the timing cover?If so why are you changing them?You loose them i always reuse the old one's never had a oil pressure issue.